When the Bengals have the ball: It doesn't seem to matter whether the Bengals jump out to big leads or fall behind. They keep finding ways to lose. QB Carson Palmer is one of seven NFL quarterbacks to pass for more than 3,000 yards (3,009) and at least 20 TDs this season, but he has also thrown 15 INTs -- seven in the past four games. Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco have combined for 130 catches, 1,685 yards and 13 TDs -- most by a wide receiver duo in the league. But Palmer has been utilizing his other targets. Rookie WR Jordan Shipley, who lines in the slot, has been the team's leading receiver with 14 catches for 124 yards in the past three games. They have been involving rookie TE Jermaine Gresham, their No. 1 pick, more in the passing game, too. He had a season-high nine catches for 85 yards against the Colts -- all in the fourth quarter -- and is third on the team with 47 catches and 409 yards.

When the Steelers have the ball: Ben Roethlisberger will be wearing a protective shoe on his injured right foot and a protective helmet visor to cover his broken nose, which might be a good reason for the Steelers to use RB Rashard Mendenhall and last week's hero, Isaac Redman. Here's another: The Bengals are giving up 124.9 yards rushing per game -- 26 more than last season. Part of the reason is injuries. They have allowed a league-high 16 runs of 20 yards or more, an indication their linebackers are having problems getting off blocks. But it's not just the run defense. Against the Saints, the Bengals allowed four passes of 42 yards or more, and their secondary is considered a strength with CBs Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall and S Roy Williams. Despite missing the first four games because of suspension, Roethlisberger has 34 passes of 20 yards or longer.
Keep an eye on
DE Carlos Dunlap... The Bengals have lost four defensive linemen with season-ending injuries -- Tank Johnson, Antwan Odom, Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene -- but that has allowed Dunlap, a rookie No. 2 draft pick, to get more playing time. He leads the team with 41???2 sacks, all in the past four games, and has 31???2 in the past two. He will be matched against RT Flozell Adams, who is expected to start despite a sprained ankle.

Intangibles

This is the third time the Bengals have lost nine games in a row in a single season since 1991 -- a dubious distinction achieved by only 16 other teams in the past 20 years. They will tie a franchise record of 10 in a row with a loss to the Steelers this afternoon at Heinz Field. This is the first of three consecutive home games for the Steelers, who are 6-1 on the road. Their only remaining road game is Jan. 2 at Cleveland. They will be trying to sweep the Bengals for the third time in the past four seasons.
Keys to victory

To win, the Bengals must ...

1 Keep Ben on the mend. Roethlisberger has thrown three touchdowns in each of the past three home games.

2 Keep Palmer calmer. The Steelers have 12 of their NFL-high 36 sacks in the past three games. The sacked Palmer four times Nov. 8.

3 Not be generous. A fumbled kickoff and a blocked punt on the first two possessions gave the Steelers a 10-0 lead in the first meeting.

To win, the Steelers must ...

1 Keep T.O. from TDs. He had two in the first meeting against the Steelers, who have allowed seven TD passes in the past five games.

2 Give Benson an Ex-Cedric headache. The Bengals RB has just two runs of 20 yards or longer this season, eight fewer than 2009.

3 Get a Hall pass. The Saints hit four big pass plays against the Bengals, something Roethlisberger Will attempt with WR Mike Wallace (NFL-best 21.2 ypc).

T.O always scores against us. We just need to make sure that when he does score, it's a bit to late similar to the first meeting this year. Though I hope if we obtain a lead like that again we can actually sustain it this time. Tired of all these shoot-out close games. They make my heart race. Still excited about this game!! :tt02:

Rick5895

12-12-2010, 12:24 PM

Interesting to note, Keenan Lewis is inactive. Butler is active. Could this be the start of another Ike Taylor like player for us.?